Today is my birthday and my alarm is set to 4.30am to start into a four day trip around Europe. I receive the first gift at 5am when crew scheduling calls and cancels our first flight this morning. We will fly as passengers and I get to sleep for an hour on the plane before the rest of work continues.

Budapest

By lunch time we are in Budapest and I am looking forward to celebrating a bit. Sometimes changing quickly and going out again is just the right thing to do. Today is one of those days. I take the metro for two stations and exit in the centre of the city. The sun is peeking through the clouds and I am enjoying the lovely autumn weather.

As a treat today I looked up one of the grand coffee houses which can be found all over the centre. The art deco style is what attracted me to this particular café and I am sitting down with a coffee, a selection of small pastries and my book. What a lovely gift to myself. I am enjoying my afternoon thoroughly.

After a while the blue sky and evening sun draw me back outside. Strolling through the streets, admiring the beautiful houses… I am losing myself just looking and following wherever the streets lead me. Slowly I am getting tired and so I stop by the supermarket for some dinner and return back to the hotel. A shower and a peaceful dinner on my bed are just the thing after a long day.

Istanbul

Our next stop is Istanbul. Together with two of my colleagues we are soon on the way to the city for an afternoon stroll. We get out of the car at a busy intersection in Karaköy and walk up to the Galata tower. The area is full of restaurants and shops. People are everywhere and for a moment we are a bit overwhelmed. We do not have a clear plan and decide to just stroll along. There is so much to see and as so often with colleagues, the conversation flows easily.

At some point we get hungry and stop at a cantina for some couscous and delicious stuffed wine leaves. Istanbul is an expensive city, I do not remember this from my last visit. The prices in the restaurants and shops are quite high. And still there are so many people with shopping bags around. However, window shopping is free of charge and we indulge in it to our heart’s content.

As we reach Taksim Place we slowly turn back and walk one of the streets, which run parallel to the Bosporus. A few cruise ships line up along the shore. The lights are slowly coming on and the view is spectacular. Across the bridge the Hagia Sophia and Süleymaniye Mosque sit beautifully on the hill. Tourists and locals mingle on the pavements as they all catch the sunset and continue on their way home or to dinner. The atmosphere is so ethereal. We are getting tired, but we still want to walk up to the Hagia Sophia. Last time I was in Istanbul I visited inside and enjoyed it a lot.

On a short-haul tour we often only have limited time in a city. But even a few hours can feel like a small holiday. What a gift.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo was the reason I had requested this tour. I have never been here before and we arrive at 12pm with lots of time for exploration. The walk along the river is already a lesson in history with visible gunshot holes in a few unrenovated buildings dating from the 1990s. A little further, next to one of the bridges is the spot where the Austrian heir to the throne was killed, starting the First World War.

Smaller once-storey buildings dominate the city centre. The pedestrian zone feels a bit like an old bazaar. Cafés are offering Turkish coffee, souvenir shops and restaurants are dominating the scene. The most bizarre souvenir to buy are pens and other things made out of bullet shells.

There are lots of signs explaining the history of certain buildings. Quite a few of the houses were built in the 15th century. The ruins of an old caravanserai are still visible. Churches and Mosques characterise the cityscape. It feels more arabic or turkish to me than other countries in the Balkan. Turkish coffee, baklava, Turkish delight… It is fascinating to walk around and take it all in.

I stroll along and enjoy the city, even though it is a bit greyer and colder than my other stops during this trip. A little up the hill, past a cemetery I admire the view over the city. The contrast between the Byzantine part of the city and the Austrian Imperial influence is clearly visible. From here it feels eerie to imagine how the city was besieged from the mountains surrounding it during the Yugoslavian war.

I meet one of my colleagues in a cute restaurant for dinner. We share delicious Bosnian food and talk about the things we have seen today. After the early 2am start this morning in Istanbul, we are both eager to get back to the hotel for some much needed rest.

I have had such a wonderful four day short-haul trip. It was the perfect mix of old and new, together and alone, working and free time, things I have done and seen before and new adventures…. I thoroughly enjoyed these four days…

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Rio… I have been looking forward to this flight and layover for a while now. And it is made even more special because I am once more able to take my husband along.

Wednesday morning, 5 a.m. local time, and we finally land in Rio. By the time we get to the hotel, the sun is just rising, and after an admiring view of Copacabana Beach from our window, we close the curtains and get some sleep.

Copacabana

At 11 a.m., we head to a small café around the corner and fortify ourselves with a coffee and passion fruit juice. Afterwards, we walk close to the waterline along the entire beach. It is 4 km. Beach vendors offer caipirinhas and bikinis for sale, and umbrellas and loungers for rent. We enjoy the view of the islands, the skyscrapers, Sugarloaf Mountain… We are so happy to be here. At the other end of the beach, we have lunch at a beach bar.

Sunset is here at 5:30 p.m. From the rooftop terrace of our hotel, you cannot see the sunset; it is in the other direction. But the view of the sea and the beach is incredibly beautiful. Plus, the full moon and a caipirinha…

A Sight-Seeing Tour, That Has It All

On Thursday, we meet up with three other colleagues and our guide in the lobby at 7:40 a.m. Today we plan to spend the whole day sightseeing.

Our first stop is the train ride up Corcovado to the Christ the Redeemer statue. It is still a bit chilly up here, and the clouds are low, but the visibility is still good. The city, the beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain, the ocean… It looks beautiful. Even though we are up here very early, there is already a lot going on. It is expected to get even busier later: 10,000 visitors a day. The Cristo is impressive in itself. The small soapstone plaques can only be seen up close; from a little further away, it looks as if it were carved from stone.

We buy a coffee in the small bar below the Cristo. Luckily, we do not buy anything to eat, because a gang of coatis is stalking anyone with food in their hands. They climb onto the tables and try everything to get their hands on something edible.

We continue into the centre. Here we walk past the theatre and several government and former colonial buildings. The streets are lined with trees or even palm trees. Everything seems incredibly green.

The Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro is a modern, pyramid-shaped church that opened in 1979. Four colorful stained-glass windows facing each other bring light into the dark concrete building, which can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers.

Our guide tells us many details, both historical and current. The tour is very entertaining. We keep walking and then meet up with our driver again.

The Lapa aqueduct is no longer used for water transport; instead, an old tram runs over it to the higher-lying Santa Tereza district. We walk up the famous Selarón mosaic staircase. The designer of the staircase is the Chilean artist José Selarón. His signature, a pregnant Black woman, is a common sight. He chose this symbol because he always said there was nothing harder than being a Black, pregnant woman. The staircase is decorated with numerous tiles from all over the world. We find Paris, Granada, German cities… It is busy here; we take some photos and slowly walk up the stairs.

Santa Tereza is an old neighborhood with beautiful houses and villas. There are cafés, restaurants, and many nice shops. We like that there are fewer made-in-China plastic goods and more local souvenirs. The old trams rattle along the streets. Between the houses, you can occasionally catch glimpses of the sea or favelas that climb the hillside.

Finally, we drive to Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable car valley station is in Urca. The sun is now fully out, and it is quite warm. In summer, when it gets up to 40 degrees Celsius, I would not want to be here at all. We find the 20-24 degrees Celsius very pleasant.

The first cable car takes us to the “back.” We walk a bit through the forest and see small, very cute monkeys. Then we take the second gondola up to the top. The view is fantastic. Copacabana Beach is right at our feet. On the other side, Botafogo Beach stretches all the way to the city centre and the domestic airport. What a view…

Surfing at Ipanema

On Friday, our alarm clock wakes us up early because we want to go surfing at Ipanema Beach. The sky still has a slight pink hue, but there are already a few surfers frolicking in the waves.

It takes a while for us to get back into the swing of things. After that, though, it is already going better than in Portugal. However, it is exhausting. We enjoy waiting outside in the group for the next wave, then feeling the push and getting up. Sometimes it works well; sometimes we quickly fall back into the water.

There are a few photographers on the beach who will later sell their photos. We find a few pictures of ourselves and buy them, partly because we do not have any photos from our first surfing trip in Portugal.

By nine o’clock we are exhausted and walk into Ipanema for breakfast. We have earned it. We are sore in our bones, but at the same time we feel full of energy.

Saturday is our departure day. However, we have time until noon, and since we usually wake up quite early in South America, we want to take advantage of it. So we walk a bit and stay in Copacabanda for breakfast. On the way back, we walk through the surf one last time. A few weeks ago, we swam on the other side of the Atlantic. That is so incredible to think about.

What a wonderful time we have had here. We both really enjoyed Rio de Janeiro and already talk about a future Brazilian holiday.

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Sevilla

Mmm… Sevilla… we were here last year for Easter, and we had immediately fallen in love with the city. This time, we are taking advantage of the time again before we head to Granada to visit family and we are spending a few days here.

Mustard yellow, blood orange, white… The houses shine so beautifully in the sun. Narrow streets, wider avenues, and small squares alternate. The Moorish influences in the architecture are visible everywhere. It is simply lovely to walk through the city. The cathedral is huge and looks so impressive.

We are enjoying our time here so much, it is already quite hot. But we keep walking through parks, sitting in the shade, enjoying the coolness by the fountain. Swifts dart by. Large trees provide shade. What a lovely start to our vacation.

La Carbonería is a flamenco bar that we also visited last year. The dancing is always so impressive here. The energy in the room is amazing and always moves me so much. We stay for two performances, have a beer, enjoy the atmosphere, and then walk back through Sevilla at night.

Granada

On Saturday morning, we walk to the Albaicín. The white houses shine in the sun as we walk the cobbled streets and alleys leading up the mountain. The San Nicolás viewpoint is always crowded, but still so beautiful. Behind the Alhambra lie the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. The views are spectacular. I can never get enough of the Alhambra views and the white houses and alleys of the Albaicín.

In the evening, we come back here and drink a glass of wine overlooking the Alhambra. We are enjoying the weekend together and spending lots of time at the playground, in the city, and at home. It is so lovely to combine family visit and our holiday.

The first week in Southern Spain was a wonderful start to our holiday. Now we are looking forward to Portugal.

Algarve – Faro

It is mid-afternoon by the time we arrive in Faro. It feels good to finally get off the bus: to get some fresh air, to stretch our legs. The smell of the sea is in the air, and the seagulls are squawking. We are very happy to be back by the sea, and Faro seems small and still a bit sleepy.

This evening, we eat at a nice restaurant and enjoy grilled sardines. A final evening stroll takes us to the sea. However, the water is far out in the lagoon. The evening light casts a magical glow over everything. We could walk and talk for hours…

In the morning we take a stroll along the water, through the old town and enjoy the quiet atmosphere after the crowds in Sevilla and Granada.

Algarve – Cavoeiro

We stay in Cavoeiro for two nights because we want to hike along the cliffs to Praia da Marinha, the most beautiful beach in the Algarve, so they say.

The path leads along the coast with wonderful views over the ocean. At the beginning, it is not that hot yet. We walk under pine trees, and the sweet Mediterranean scent fills the air. At the first beach we pass, I immediately jump into the cooling water. The Atlantic is incredibly salty and wonderfully cool. What a perfect start into the day.

Between Benagil and Praia da Marinha, the path is quite busy and the water is quite crowded too with boats, kayaks and jet skis. The cave/beach of Benagil is only accessible by water and lots of people want to see it.

The views from the cliffs are magnificent, and we take a lunch break in the shade on the Marinha Beach. Sardinhas, tomatoes, small cucumbers, bread… It tastes delicious. Afterwards, we dive into the cool water. The Atlantic is so refreshing. It is just what we need on such a hot day of hiking. Beyond the beach, it calms down again. We walk a bit further along the coast and then order a Bolt for the return trip.

Algarve – Sagres

A Bolt takes us to Portimão, from where we take the bus to Sagres. Sagres is the southwestern most tip of Europe and known for its surfing.

I have always wanted to try surfing, and here I finally get the chance. The next morning, we meet at the surf shop at 8:30 a.m. There are a few other people with us who are surfing for the first time. We are absolutely thrilled. After some theory, we hit the water and barely take a break until lunchtime. It is so much fun.

However, our muscles are really sore by the afternoon. Surfing is quite tiring. Nevertheless, we want to surf for another day. And then a third day…

Praia de Tonel is our home for the three days. We surf, we watch the others… we soak up the atmosphere… It is so much fun and one evening we come here with our dinner and enjoy the sunset.

What a wonderful time in the Algarve. The sea, the coast, the light, the colours… and above all, the surfing… We enjoyed our time here so much.

Lisboa

After our wonderful surfing, we now head north towards Lisbon.

The sun is greeting us in the morning as we walk through the city towards Alfama. The various viewpoints invite us to take a break. From a small shop we buy some apricots and eat them in the shade with the city stretching out in front of us. The red roofs shine in the sun. It looks wonderful. We need a moment to adjust to the city, to the many people after our relaxed beach time.

A ride on one of the old trams is somehow part of Lisbon. The cool breeze blows through the open windows as we travel through the narrow streets. The city looks beautiful from every angle.

We also take a trip to Belén. Unfortunately, the tower is covered in scaffolding, but we enjoy the tram ride there and a windy walk along the promenade. We had so many delicious pasteis de nata this trip that we give the bakery, which supposedly invented this delicious pastry and the long line a skip.

Coimbra

Our next stop is Coimbra. One evening we go to an old chapel for a fado performance. I recognize some of the songs from my mother’s fado CD. It is a really beautiful evening. Otherwise, Coimbra unfortunately seems quite dead. So many houses are dilapidated and empty. Apart from the university and the main street, hardly anything seems to have been renovated. In the evenings, when the day-trippers are gone, it becomes empty and quiet, almost too quiet.

Aveiro

Our next stop, Aveiro, on the other hand, seems much livelier. A friend had pointed us to this seaside town and we can see why. There are several canals that run through the city with boats sailing on them. And there are lots of pretty houses and small shops. We enjoy our time here and soak up the sunshine on the beach and in the old town.

We check into our accommodation at 2 p.m. and less than half an hour later we are at the beach. The fine sandy beach is separated from the town by dunes, and a wooden boardwalk makes walking easier. A few surfers are taking advantage of the waves. We simply go for a swim and then sit in the shade of a bar, enjoying what is probably our last beach day of our holiday.

Porto

From Aveiro, we travel to Porto, our last stop. We arrive directly at São Bento Station, with its beautiful blue tiles in the main hall. Since we still have some time before check-in, we grab something to eat at the nearby market. The food has been so delicious these last few weeks. We have eaten a lot of fish and enjoyed the fresh food.

Walking through Porto is a constant up and down. We walk on both the lower and upper levels of the Ponte Luís I over the Douro River. The narrow, colourful house facades glow in the evening light. Very close to our accommodation, we find a nice bar in a square with an olive tree and join the many locals in an aperitivo before dinner. There are so many lovely cafés and restaurants in the city.

We enjoy the last few days of our holiday, walking through many charming streets, admiring the colourful facades, sitting in the shade…

Three weeks of holiday in Spain and Portugal went by incredibly quickly. Sevilla, Granada, the Algarve, Lisboa, Porto… what a trip… We had a wonderful time…

Der Beitrag A Holiday in Andalusia & Portugal erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

The sun is shining from the early morning sky and it looks like it is the perfect day for a day trip to Gozo. We are taking the fast ferry from Valletta with quite a few other people. The views of Malta on the left-hand side are beautiful. It is like a sight-seeing tour from the water. We even see dolphins in the channel as we pass Comino.

Hiking to Ramla Beach

From Mgarr we head straight to the San Blas Cove. The streets through the villages in Gozo are so small. I am glad that I am not driving this time. As we get out of the car we are greeted by the blue sky, the rolling green hills and the blue sea stretching out in front of us. It looks like a painting.

We follow the steep path down to the waterline. Since it is still April it is all very quiet. We only stay for a short moment before we head up the hill on the other side. In Malta, when it says “uphill” it usually means quite steep. We are out of breath and sweaty by the time we reach the top. Lizards are running in different directions, flowers are blooming. It is such a wonderful spring day.

As we get closer to the Tal-Mixta Cave the rental cars parked along the street are a clear sign that this is a popular tourist spot. I have been here a few times and the view never gets old. Stepping through the small entrance in the back and then the orange Ramla Beach, the blue sea and the green hills come into view. All framed by the dark rim of the cave. What a view.

We hike the path down to the bay and find a spot along the beach. Perfect time for a break, a swim and a snack. The water is still cold, but it is so refreshing and clear. We are so happy that we decided to come to Gozo today.

Victoria

After lunch in our favourite pizza place we walk up to the Citadella to enjoy the 360° views of the island. Walking on top of the wall, we can see the sea in all directions. I love coming up here, it always feels like a step back in time.

With an ice cream in our hand we continue our walk through the Old Town. The winding alleys are full of beautiful houses. The colours of the balconies and doors shine in the sunlight. The different door knockers add local charm and make for perfect photo opportunities.

Cliff Walk

To end our wonderful trip to Gozo, we head out to Mgarr ix-Xini. From here we follow the coastline all the way to the harbour in Mgarr. The view over to Comino and Malta is so pretty. The soft afternoon light bathes everything in a golden light. What a view.

The coastal path winds along through low shrubs and over rocks. It is the perfect ending to our day. We even get the timing right with our ferry back. It is quite busy at the terminal and we are happy that we bought our tickets already in advance.

On the ferry back we sink back into the seats, close our eyes with a smile on our faces and think back on the beautiful day we have had…

Another lovely hike in Malta is from Marsaxlokk to Marsaskala (or vice versa).

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The sun is shining, the first almond blossoms are out and a little stream is running next to our path. We have been walking for a few hours and we are still finding our rhythm. For the next six days we will be hiking around Imlil and we are really looking forward to it. The high peaks of the Atlas Mountains are still covered in snow and serve as an impressive backdrop. Small villages dot the valley, where rivers are running and the first sign of the spring‘s green is visible.

But let’s start at the beginning:

We arrived in Morocco a day late due to a strike, but happy that everything went well. In Casablanca, we board the train and enjoy the view. We stay in Marrakech by evening and are simply happy that everything went so well today. We stroll through the alleys and enjoy the warmth of the last rays of sunshine, peer into the windows of the small shops, and look for a restaurant.

The Mountains Are Calling…

On Wednesday, we meet up with our friends at the parking lot. Our driver takes us up into the mountains to Imlil. For the next six days, we will hike through the Atlas Mountains. The snow-capped Mount Toubkal looms before us at 4,176 meters.

In Imlil, we meet our guide and three other men who are leading our three mules. What a luxury not to have to carry our backpacks.

Leaving Imlil, we walk steadily uphill until we reach a pass. Here we meet the mules and take a lunch break. What a wonderful place. The sun is shining, the red mountains around us, the blue sky… We are given a proper meal cooked on a gas stove. How nice to meet again after last year’s unforgettable week on the Isle of Skye.

Then we continue along the slope. Very little grows up here. A few prickly little bushes and the occasional old, gnarled juniper tree. Walnut and almond trees grow in the valleys, along with all sorts of other things the people in the villages grow. Water flows here, and it’s greener.

On we walk…

On the second and third days, we sleep in very basic accommodations. A mattress on the floor and simple blankets. We sleep huddled together under three blankets with all our clothes on. There is always a warm shower, though, and a wood-burning stove in the dining area.

The remote villages seem very poor and simple. The traces of the earthquake a few years ago are still clearly visible. Some houses have collapsed, and families are still living in tents. Few women are to be seen; occasionally, a door opens slightly as we walk past, and a face peeks out.

It is quite cold in the evenings and at night. But during the day, in the sun, we walk in T-shirts. Especially when the mountain climb is steep, as it was on the second day. Leaving the village, we hike up to 2400m. We feel the altitude and need a break every now and then. Occasionally goats and their shepherds pass us. The sounds of the little goats calling for their mothers are following us for quite a while.

On the third day, we even climb to 2700m. Every day, we cross a pass into the next valley. On the fourth and fifth days, we buy orange juice at the top of the pass. A man, a donkey, a few oranges… that’s all we need. We enjoy the view and the fresh juice. We are amazed at the changing landscape. Some valleys are bare, others have a river running through, the trees and bushes lining the path…

We have three mules with us and they carry not only our luggage, but also our kitchen supplies and water. In the morning the guides surpass us at some point, so that by the time we reach our lunch spot, they are already busy preparing our food and tea. In the afternoon they usually catch up with us again at some point and we sometimes arrive at our guest house together.

Snow in March?

What weather… the sun shines every day. And when it gets darker on the third day and the clouds are rolling in, we cannot believe it when it starts to snow. We are wearing our rain jackets and the backpack covers. Up at the pass, an icy wind blows, and the flakes dance in the breeze. Further down into the valley, the snow continues, and soon the landscape is blanketed in white. It is wonderful for hiking. We enjoy it. By the time we get to the guesthouse, it has stopped.

We are well catered for in terms of food: Breakfast is usually served at 8 a.m. Later our lunch is served in a beautiful spot and consists of   rice and vegetables along with tea and fruits for dessert. What a luxury. In the afternoon, once we have reached our Guesthouse, we always enjoy some popcorn with tea and then some delicious dinner in the evening.

We are thrilled with our mules. They carry up to 150 kg up and down the mountains. At some point in the morning, they overtake us. At midday, they graze nearby and then usually overtake us again on the trail. If the trail allows, the guides ride, otherwise they walk alongside. The mules are pretty obedient to their every command, which impresses us. No need for sticks to prod them.

Marrakech

On the 6th day of hiking, after lunch, we return to Marrakech. The many people, the mopeds and scooters driving through the narrow alleys of the souqs… what a difference to the mountains…

We have a free day in Marrakech before our return flight, and we enjoy wandering through the various markets. The colours, the cats, the smells, the people… There is so much to see and take in.  In the afternoon, we drink Berber tea overlooking the large Jemma el Fna square. It is quite hot and it feels wonderful to rest a bit and enjoy the views.

In the evening, we meet for one last dinner together. We had a lot of fun together, chatting and laughing. Us three girls are glad we invited the men to join us on this hiking adventure.  

Today, after a leisurely breakfast, we head back to Germany. We really enjoyed our holiday and are looking forward to returning to our little house in Malta.

Der Beitrag Hiking in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

The snow-covered mountains, the forest, the ocean… the flight into Vancouver is really something special. After 9 hours and 30 minutes of flight time I am very happy to finally be here.

Hockey Game

This evening I am meeting up with a colleague who I have been with in Chicago last week. He has an extra ticket and so I am taking advantage of the opportunity to see the Vancouver Canucks playing against the Colorado Avalanche. It is the time of recently announced tariffs against Canada. I have read about the booing during the performance of the American National Anthem in the newspaper and it happens tonight as well.

We are having a wonderful time sitting high up in the stands observing the game as well as everything that is going on around us. There are three fights and the stadium goes crazy. Sticks are thrown away, gloves come off, and sometimes even the helmets. It is quite the spectacle and since the Canadians win, everyone leaves the stadium happy.

Snowshoeing in Whistler

Today I take the bus up to Whistler. The scenic drive follows along the bay with lovely views of the mountains, the sea and I even spot a bald eagle sitting in a tree top.

It is freezing cold as I step off the bus and walk the short distance to the Trailhead. After renting my snowshoes, I head out to the trails. At first I follow a single track along a small stream. The water is trickling along between icicles and snow. I love the calm, the nature, the exercise, the new vistas around every corner. This is a true winter wonderland.

The trail goes up and down through the forest until I reach the Lost Lake. I walk a bit along lake. In the snow, it seems truly deserted and forgotten. Little by little it gets darker and the wind gets quite strong and chilly at times. By now my phone says it is -8°C and I am always glad when I am putting my gloves back on after having taken a photo. My fingers are cold and the camera battery is suffering from the cold too.

Every now and then I hear birdsong and it is simply beautiful. I only meet a few people on the long loop around the lake. It is not until I get closer to the rental shop that I come across a couple of snowshoe hikers. I really enjoyed the short hike and I was not too cold in my snow pants and ski jacket.

Before I take the bus back to Vancouver I spend some time in Whistler Village. It is all very tranquil and cute. People walk along the pedestrian zone with their skis and boards in their hands. I sit in a café with a hot chocolate and warm myself up again. What a beautiful day, but oh, was it cold…

Downtown Vancouver

On my second day off, I take the metro into Downtown Vancouver. I found a fabric store on Google and I want to check it out. Browsing the aisles with all the different fabrics is one of my favourite things to do. And I find a scrap for a sports t-shirt on the bargain table, so I am double happy.

Next up is a stop at the Public Market on Granville Island. The market hall has fruit and vegetables, meat and fish (so much smoked fish…), and a few food stalls as well. Perfect for my lunch. I sit by the window for a while, eating, enjoying the view of the water and the houses, and watching the seagulls. Afterwards, I buy myself a small loaf of sourdough bread with blueberries. What a delicious treat.

There are some very pretty little shops on the island. I stroll along, just enjoying the day. As predicted, the sun is coming out more and more. Although I am getting tired, I decide to walk to Stanley Park. The view of the skyline and the seaplane terminal is so pretty. I follow the path along the shore. The mountains rise on the other side, container ships dock in the harbour… three totem poles stand on the shore. It is such a lovely afternoon. I am taking a break in the sun on one of the many benches and I am so happy I got to spend two lovely winter days in Vancouver.

Der Beitrag Winter Wonderland in Vancouver erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

A day off in Cairo gives a five-day work-trip a nice, warm perspective in the middle of December. On the first evening in Hanover, I do not do anything except walk to the supermarket, eat on my bed, shower, and sleep. The alarm went off this morning shortly after 4am and will do so again tomorrow.

In Madrid, I at least manage a short evening stroll into the city center. It feels so good to breathe some fresh air, take in some of the Spanish evening atmosphere after a long day of working. However, the shopping jungle on Gran Vía and the many people are a bit overwhelming after the long day, and I soon head back to the hotel.

The Pyramids

In Cairo, we are able to sleep in and meet for breakfast in the morning. This alone feels already like luxury after all the early morning starts. Afterwards, we set off for the Pyramids.

The drive is not very long and quite interesting. There is a lot to see out the window. We cross the Nile on the highway. Despite it being the weekend, it is not very busy at the Pyramids. There are relatively few foreigners and more Egyptians around.

We pass through the gate directly in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza. It looms before us, large and impressive. The stone blocks are quite big (each weighing 2.5 tons), and you can climb a few meters to the entrance to the burial chamber. It would be quite strenuous to climb all the way to the top. I do not know exactly how people did it in the past.

It is chilly in the shadow of the pyramid, and many people are wearing winter clothing. A few vendors offer drinks and souvenirs. Camels and horse-drawn carriages await tourists. The city stretches almost up to the Pyramids. It is difficult to imagine what the area must have looked like during the time of the pharaohs.

Our guide tells us a lot about ancient Egypt, the pharaohs, and the construction of the pyramids.

The area is very extensive, so we drive a little way out to a viewpoint from where we can see the three pyramids together. The size of the structures is impressive. The Great Pyramid of Giza is 140 meters high. The wind is blowing across the desert and I love being a bit away from the many people.

The Sphinx

The Sphinx lies on the other side of the pyramids, toward the Nile and the Valley Temple. The city stretches right up to it here. When we first arrive, there is a dense crowd in front of it. But we wait a bit, and suddenly it empties. Her face is partially weathered, but her features are still clearly visible. Her body was repeatedly covered with sand and dug out. It is incredible to see the Sphinx in person. As with many sights, which we know so well from photos, it is an interesting feeling to be finally standing here and seeing it for myself. The small queen pyramids are in the background and look so small compared to the three big pyramids.

It is incredible that the pyramids were built around 2500 BC. What an achievement. I am often reminded of Asterix and Obelix and want to watch the film again when I get home. It is incredible that such a large pyramid was built for just one person. There are also other burial sites here. Giza was used as a necropolis even before the pyramids were built.

We eat lunch at a restaurant directly across from the pyramids. The rooftop terrace offers a beautiful view. We sit for quite a while, savouring our mezze and enjoying the view.

In the afternoon, we return to the hotel, and I have plenty of time for a siesta. And then at midnight we are getting picked up for the return flight back.

It was a truly beautiful day in Cairo. I finally managed to see the pyramids. In March 2020, I had a day off in Cairo and wanted to go to the pyramids, but then it rained all day, and I returned from the flight with COVID.

What a lovely last tour before Christmas.

Der Beitrag A Trip to the Pyramids in Cairo erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

After my Italian holiday I am going back to work today. But it could be worse than a six day Cape Town rotation.

In Cape Town it is gray and cool when we open the plane door. Spring is expected to show its cool, rainy side this weekend. However, the strong Cape wind often blows the clouds away quickly. So we are full of hope for a nice layover.

Sunset Sailing

It rains heavily during the day and I rest a bit after the night flight. This is the first time I have done this in Cape Town. The last two times I was in Cape Town (in 2022 & 2023) we always did something straight away.

In the evening the sun comes out and the rain has stopped. We meet for a catamaran sunset tour. Almost the entire crew is here. We make ourselves comfortable at the front of the catamaran and enjoy the view. There are a few others on board, but that does not bother us. The seals frolic in the harbour basin and the Table Mountain rises above the city in all its splendor. We slowly sail out of the harbour and the sun shines golden in the evening sky. Two penguins swim by! I am excited that we want to do the Cape tour on Sunday. We sail towards sunset, past the city, the big football stadium, Table Mountain, Lions Head… it is so beautiful… The sun shimmers in the windows of the chic houses in Sea Point and Camps Bay.

We are wrapped in blankets and enjoy our drinks. Only when the sun sinks into the sea do we make our way back. That was a really nice tour. What a start to our layover.

In the evening we eat at the waterfront. The food is always so good here in South Africa. Something that I always look forward to. We sit together for a long time and talk.

Oranjezicht Farmers Market & The Old Biscuit Mill

Saturday is supposed to be cool, windy and rainy and it is. At the weekend the Oranjezicht Farmers Market takes place near our hotel. The market offers fruit and vegetables, handicrafts and lots of food. Many Capetonians meet here for a Saturday brunch. There is a lot going on and we enjoy the hustle and bustle. A warming rooibos tea and a cinnamon roll is just the right thing to strengthen ourselves in between.

We then continue to the Old Biscuit Mill. The concept is similar. There are also small shops and studios with lots of pretty things and some food and drink. There are so many cute things for sale. It is so nice to stroll along.

So far it has been mostly dry and it was not until we got back to the hotel in the afternoon that it really started to rain. I snuggle up under my duvet and relax a bit before we meet again in the evening for dinner. There are only six of us this evening and while we order, the South African women at the next table are singing and dancing while they wait for the bill. The rhythm is infectious. What a beautiful day.

Cape of Good Hope

The weather is supposed to be better on Sunday so we decided on the tour to the Cape of Good Hope and the penguins in Simon’s Town.

We meet at 9am and sun and rain alternate at the beginning. The big waves break on Clifton Beach and our guide says the water temperature is 12 degrees. The Table Mountain is shrouded in clouds and it is drizzling lightly. The large granite rocks with the white beach still look beautiful. When the sun shines, this is one of Cape Town’s postcard motifs and I can see why. I will have to return when the sun shines…

We continue over Hout’s Bay and Chapman’s Peak. The views are beautiful, even though we are almost blown away by the wind. The sun slowly comes out and everything shines brightly. The coastline is so pretty here.

We stop at a farm for a short breakfast break. There is a petting zoo and small shops. I buy a rooibos latte and a cinnamon roll. The low Cape Dutch buildings are so cute. What a beautiful day… The sun is slowly winning against the clouds.

In the Cape National Park we observe a few ostriches and eland. It is always so beautiful here in spring. The flowers are blooming and the low bushes are pushed even lower to the ground today in the wind.

The Cape of Good Hope sign is besieged by tourists. We stop here briefly and I sit on a rock and look out to the sea. The sound of the sea is loud and impressive. Two seals climb onto a flat rock and are repeatedly washed over by the waves.

The waves are impressive and I could sit here and look out at the sea for a long time. The sun is coming out more and more. What a day…

We continue to Cape Point and walk up to the lighthouse. The colors are now shining in the sun: the green cliffs, the blue ocean, the white surf… the view is magnificent. It is my second time here and I could always return again and again.

Right now is whale watching season. We see a small group of southern right whales from Cape Point. One even jumps out of the water a little. Later on the drive to Simon’s Town we see some more.

The rain comes as we sit back in the car. We are really lucky today because by the time we have had lunch the sun is shining again.

The Penguin Colony in Simon’s Town

The penguins at Boulders Beach are wonderful. I love it here even when there are a lot of tourists. There are tourists on the boardwalk and penguins on the beach. Some lie on the sand, many preen themselves and a few swim up. It is so cute how they emerge from the waves and wash up on the beach. Some actually pose in front of the tourists. A few penguins nest under the bushes in small plastic huts or in self-made nests. We discover a small, fluffy young one at the feet of its parent.

The turquoise water, the white beach, the large granite rocks and the little penguins… It is so beautiful… Our guide tells us that the residents do not really like the penguins because they come into the gardens at night, causing mischief there and sometimes even jump into the pool.

We had such a beautiful day. The tour  was great and we were really lucky with the weather. It only rained while we were in the car and we had lots of sunshine. We were ten and we had a lot of fun together.

Strolling along the Waterfront

Monday is departure day. The time until 3:30pm goes by quickly. I sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast at the waterfront, go to the supermarket and then it is almost time to get ready for the flight back.

One more layover day was a luxury. I really enjoyed my time in Cape Town and made the most of the spring-like weather.

Der Beitrag Another Trip to Cape Town erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

What a delight to travel for a week through Tuscany… delicious food, cute towns, good friends and a lot of sunshine… Our stops include Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena, Montepulciano, Florence and a vineyard near Vinci.

Pisa

Our little trip starts in Pisa. It is one of the few airports I know from which you can easily walk into the city centre. Unfortunately, it starts to rain halfway there. We make our way a little further under the portico at the train station and then have an espresso. It is pouring heavily. But luckily the sun comes out soon and we walk through the pedestrian zone to the Arno and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

It is my first time here and I am really looking forward to seeing the Leaning Tower. The area is full of tourists and it is fun to watch them taking photos and trying out their poses. It has gotten pretty warm in the sun by now and we buy ourselves an ice cream as we slowly make our way back to the train station.

San Gimignano

The journey to San Gimignano takes two hours. There is a bit of a delay, but luckily we are on holiday and have time. The narrow road winds up and down the hills. Vineyards, cypresses, olives… everything glows green in the sun. And then San Gimignano appears in the distance. The town sits on a ridge and looks so beautiful with the towers rising up to the sky.

We explore the place a bit in the evening light and immediately fall in love with the brick houses, the nice shops, the narrow alleys… of course there are a lot of people around, but in the mornings and evenings, when the day tourists are not yet or no longer there, it is quieter. After an aperitivo, we enjoy dinner on the terrace of a nice restaurant.

The town is not very big and can be explored quickly. We particularly like the views of the countryside.  Malta is so brown at the end of summer; we enjoy the rolling green hills, the trees, the vineyards… We walk a little way out of San Gimignano and enjoy the silence. What a wonderful day… A glass of wine and pizza to finish, what more could you want…

Siena

The bus ride through the pretty Tuscan countryside goes by quickly. Shortly before we get off the bus in Siena, we get a quick glance at the impressive black and white striped cathedral and the tower of the Palazzo Pubblico. What a first impression.

The sun is shining from the blue sky, it is warm and tourists are strolling around the alleys of the old town. At the large Piazza del Campo we sit in the shade and look for a panino for lunch. We find one just around the corner and the long queue indicates a good choice. Sandwiches are called schiacciatte here and are very tasty. We keep on finding new flavour combinations.

The streets go up and down in Siena. We walk to the Santo Domenico church again and marvel at the view of the Old Town. The cathedral sits imposingly on the hill and towers over the surrounding houses.  I really like the brown and orange brick houses. Pine trees tower over the houses like umbrellas. We like the facade of the cathedral. Lions and horses decorate the portal. Countless figures stand along the roof and above the portals. In the morning, the city is just waking up and we sit for a while opposite the entrance and take in the church. We enjoy strolling and letting ourselves drift.

One evening we eat a pizza right on the central square. The blue hour is the perfect backdrop for a very nice evening. In the boarding line in Malta, an Italian woman said that she was looking forward to a really good Italian pizza. We can only agree.

Montepulciano

After two nights in Siena, we move on to Montepulciano. We take the train to Buonconvento and then change to the bus. On the way to San Gimignano, we were lucky with the announced strike. The strike only lasted a few hours and we always got to our destination early.  Montepulciano is smaller again and is located in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. The views from the terraces are wonderful. We buy a sandwich and sit in the shade of a pine tree at one of these vantage points. The town stretches up the hill and the streets are sometimes quite steep. Our accommodation is at the lower end of the old town and every morning begins with a climb. An espresso and cornetto with pistachio filling is just right.

An aperitivo with a view over the Tuscan hills in the evening sun is simply part of the experience here. Mmm…Montepulciano wine… We cannot understand all the people who order Aperol Spritz here when the wine is so good.

On Tuesday we set off on a short hike around Montepulciano. At the beginning we go downhill along olive groves. We soon leave the noises of the town behind us and enjoy the silence. We walk along the slope in the shade of trees. Across the vineyards we have a wonderful view of Montepulciano. The town towers high above us on the slope. The blue grapes hang thick and full. It can’t be long until the grape harvest. We don’t meet any people, just lizards and grasshoppers. The sun is shining and it’s wonderful. What a beautiful day. At the Tempio di San Biagio we meet civilization again. Tour buses wait in the shade of the cypresses. We take a short break in the shade of the church before a steep path leads us back through a gate in the city wall to Montepulciano.

Florence

There are so many people… already on the train heading towards Florence we feel the difference. It is almost a bit overwhelming after the days in the smaller towns. It takes us a moment to get used to it again.

In the evening we take the bus from our accommodation to the city centre and walk along the Arno and enjoy the views. The Ponte Vecchio is full of people and from outside the yellow elements shine in the evening sun. We sit a little further with a view of the bridge and treat ourselves to an aperitivo. Tonight we are having pizza again. We have taken full advantage of the delicious food this holiday.

After a bit of morning rain we stroll a little away from the Duomo and the streets are significantly emptier. There are many nice restaurants and shops. We do some window shopping and let ourselves be guided by the beautiful streets.

Around the Duomo there is a lot going on. The stonework is so beautiful. The black and white stones… the rosé ornaments… every time we walk past here I fall in love with a different angle of the building.

In the evening we happen to eat in a restaurant with a wine window. You can order a glass of wine or Aperol through a small window in the wall of the house and have it handed out a short time later. We observe a few people stopping by and ordering their drink while we are having dinner inside.

On Friday we set off to the vineyard near Vinci where friends celebrate their wedding anniversary. This weekend is the reason why we chose to go to Tuscany for our holiday and we truly enjoyed every part of it.

Der Beitrag A Tuscan Holiday erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

In the summer it can be so nice to go on a European short-haul tour. The sun is shining, passengers are in a holiday mood and we have the mornings off before work.

Cycling Through Amsterdam

Sunday morning in Amsterdam and the sun is shining as I open the curtains. I feel energised and make use of the free bicycle rental at the hotel. First, I ride through the park and enjoy the cool, crisp air already hinting at autumn. There are only a few people around and I feel quite energetic as I turn towards the city centre.

The city is still pretty quiet at this hour. I enjoy cycling along the bike paths and cobblestone streets. The canals still lie quietly half in the sun, half in the shade. Whenever I can, I choose to cycle in the warming sun. Flowers are spilling out of their pots, bicycles line the streets and I could admire the cute houses all day long.

Today I am meeting a friend for brunch and it is so lovely to catch up. I certainly miss lots of things being away so much, but then sometimes it is so beautiful to meet a friend somewhere in the world.

Cycling through Amsterdam is a lovely pastime. I enjoy the way back just as much. Now there are a lot more people on the streets and I love being part of the cycling mass. Tourists mingle with locals basking in the sunshine. I wish I could stay longer. It is such a beautiful day.

A Brunch in Tirana

It is hot today as I step out of the hotel. I walk a little along the canal under shaded trees and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city. Fruit vendors, bakeries; it all smells so lovely and poses a nice contrast to the exhaust fumes and honking. Today I do not have a lot of time nor  enough energy to sightsee and enjoy everything that this city has to offer. But I have been here before, so I do not mind taking it easy today.

In a quiet side street I find a small café with a second hand shop attached. I enjoy my breakfast sitting on the terrace surrounded by trees. I could almost forget that I am in a capital city.

City View in Lisbon

Today in Lisbon I do not have a lot of time either. The weather is so inviting, though, that I simply have to walk a little to the closest Miradoro. On the way I pass beautifully tiled houses. The blues, greens and yellows shine in the morning sunlight. At the viewpoint I sit for a bit under the shade of the trees. The red roofs stretch all the way to the castle on the other side and to the sea. It is so beautiful.

How lovely it would be to have the whole day here. But I will not be greedy, this is already quite something. On the way back to the hotel I stop at a café, because I cannot leave Lisbon without a pasteis de nata.

Even only a few hours of Portuguese sunshine give me such motivation for the work day. It is so beautiful to be able to think back on the colourful houses during the day. It puts an instant smile on my face.

Der Beitrag Summer in Amsterdam, Tirana & Lisbon erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.